• energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after improvements are made;
• efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades; and
• new homes achieving a high level of energy efficiency.

'The tremendous response to the energy efficiency rebate program in just under a year speaks to the commitment of Albertans to reduce their environmental footprints,' says Environment Minister Rob Renner. 'Consumers have the power to make a positive environmental impact through their day-to-day energy decisions. Clearly, the people of our province want to do their share.'

Delivering on commitments laid out in its 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta invested $36 million over three years to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the rebates are tied to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, enabling consumers to recoup costs from both programs. The program is administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change.

Rebates are available on purchases retroactive to January 1, 2009. To apply for a rebate, visit http://www.climatechangecentral.com/ or phone 1-888-537-7202.

Annual statistical report also shows increases in number of doctors

'This program has proven to be a valuable resource for both tenants and landlords in communities where it was introduced,' said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. 'It saves people time and money by avoiding a formal court process for disputes and frees up the court system for other matters.'

Tenants and landlords can apply to the service to resolve disputes such as security deposits, rent arrears, evictions and damages. A tenancy dispute officer holds a hearing and considers evidence from tenants and landlords, similar to court proceedings. Decisions by officers are legally binding on both parties.

RTDRS hearings in the central Alberta region will be conducted by teleconference, allowing tenants and landlords to participate in hearings from their own home or office. The fee for service is $75 and the entire process takes between seven and 10 days for most matters.

'Holding hearings by telephone means people in remote communities can have their disputes heard faster without having to travel long distances to a larger centre,' said Klimchuk.

The provincial government initially established the service in 2006 as a one-year pilot project in Edmonton, where it helped reduce court time for tenant-landlord disputes to a half-day per month from two days a week. Based on the success there, RTDRS expanded to northern Alberta communities and Calgary, and has handled more than 11,000 cases. The government plans to expand the service to the rest of Alberta later in 2009/10.

More information on RTDRS, including a full list of communities where the service is available, can be found online at www.rtdrs.alberta.ca or by calling toll-free 310-0000 then dialing 780-644-3000.

• prohibiting 'rollover' loans which allow consumers to pay off previous payday loans at an extra cost;
  
• a two-day cooling off period during which time consumers can return the money and cancel the loan without incurring any costs;
  
• prohibiting 'discounting,' the practice of putting some fees into the amount of the loan, as it makes it harder to determine the true cost and can result in consumers walking away with less than they intended to borrow;
  
• prohibiting lenders from requiring, requesting or accepting information that gives them access to the borrower's bank account, except for pre-authorized repayments;
  
• disclosure provisions requiring lenders to prominently post information in their stores explaining the cost of borrowing;
  
• a requirement that payday lenders use plain-language contracts; and
  
• a requirement that payday lenders be licensed by the provincial government.
  

The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) committed the two provinces to reduce costs and duplicate registration requirements for corporations that want to do business across the border. Effective April 27, corporations can deal with their home province to register in both Alberta and B.C.

Alberta and B.C. signed TILMA in April 2006 to eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. As of April 1, TILMA came into full force, resulting in seamless access to markets in both provinces, a more streamlined regulatory environment, and more than 100 regulated occupations having full labour mobility between Alberta and B.C.

Edmonton -- Low to moderate income individuals and those with special needs will soon have more options for affordable housing thanks to a new development funded by the Alberta government and community partners.

'Safe, affordable housing is a fundamental requirement for Albertans' well- being and prosperity,' said Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. 'Developments such as this contribute to building strong communities, while making a difference in the lives of low-income Albertans and their families.'

The Meadowcroft Housing Society submitted a plan for a new development called Brentwood Apartments that will be located at 13535-115 Avenue. It will feature two bachelor and 27 one-bedroom units of which five will be barrier free. It will receive $2.2 million in provincial funding.

'These affordable housing units are significant as they will provide a new beginning and a place to call home for individuals and people with special needs,' said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta. 'I commend all those associated with the Meadowcroft Housing Society for their hard work and commitment to helping some of Edmonton's most vulnerable citizens.'

Incorporated in 1977, the Meadowcroft Housing society provides quality housing for families with limited means in the Edmonton community. The not-for- profit society is known for maintaining a comfortable, dignified environment, excelling in security, cleanliness and quality housing.

This is the second year the province has provided support through an RFP process and is part of the Alberta government's five-year strategy to create more than 11,000 affordable housing units across the province by 2012. The province committed $309 million in new funding in 2008/09 in support of affordable housing. This RFP funding is a component of the $309 million in capital funding.

To find out more about affordable housing programs and services supported by Housing and Urban Affairs visit [ http://www.housing.alberta.ca/].